The Chief Judge of Niger State, Halima Abdulmalik, has granted pardon to 11 inmates at the Suleja Medium Correctional Centre as part of efforts to decongest custodial facilities.
Abdulmalik announced the release during her annual routine visit to the facility on Wednesday in Suleja.
She said the decision followed a detailed review of case files and personal interactions with inmates, adding that those freed had shown good conduct while serving their terms. Many of them had less than three months left to complete their sentences.
“The beneficiaries have demonstrated diligence and reformation. They deserve to be reunited with their families and reintegrated into society,” she said.
According to the Chief Judge, a total of 36 inmates were reviewed during the visit, with 11 convicts discharged. Some were summarily tried for lesser offences before regaining their freedom, while others were referred for immediate trial or returned to custody pending court dates.
Earlier, Mr Christopher Jen, Controller of the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) in charge of the FCT Command, described the visit as timely and commendable.
He assured that the released inmates had demonstrated good behaviour and expressed confidence in their reintegration into society.
Jen disclosed that the centre currently houses 318 inmates – 192 awaiting trial and 126 convicted persons – including four condemned prisoners.
He added that most inmates at the facility were being held for offences such as homicide, armed robbery, fraud, breach of trust, cheating and sexual assault.
The visit concluded with a tour of the centre’s vocational and skill acquisition units, where inmates are undergoing training aimed at rehabilitation and successful reintegration.
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